Friday Favorites with Dottie: Dottie's Favorite Holiday Cocoa

Ho, Ho, Hokies! Are you excited for Christmas? I’m practically shaking from excitement. But I could also be shaking from the cold. It’s freezing! Blacksburg winters are strong and dedicated, just like us Hokies. As I walked across drillfield today, I really wished I had more than feathers to keep me warm. Then I had the perfect idea: hot cocoa! It warms you from the inside out. So today, I want to share my favorite hot cocoa recipes to keep you warm this winter.

For those of you who love peanut butter, I have the perfect cocoa for you. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup of milk

¼ cup half and half

1 cup milk chocolate chips

1 tbsp. creamy peanut butter

¼ cup of mini marshmallows.

This recipe is amazing. It’s just like a liquid Reese’s cup! And what’s better than that? Absolutely nothing of course. Just a little advice: bring your milk and cream to a simmer in a saucepan, but do not, I repeat, DO NOT let it boil. When the milk gets steamy, add your chocolate. Once your chocolate melts add your peanut butter. Mix it up, add it to a cup, and top it with delicious mash mellows. This cup of sweetness will warm you from head to toe and leave you craving for more.

For those of you who like to get in the holiday spirit, I recommend peppermint hot chocolate. It tastes just like Santa’s candy canes. You’ll need:

3 (4 ½ inch) peppermint candy sticks

1 cup of sugar

¾ cup instant nonfat dry milk

¾ cup powdered nondairy coffee creamer

½ cup unsweetened cocoa

1 cup hot milk

This cocoa isn’t super chocolatey; so, if you aren’t a fan of rich and creamy goodness, peppermint cocoa is a nice mix with a festive spirit. First you should blend your peppermint into a powder and combine the powder with the rest of the ingredients. After you make your powder, you can store the rest of it! Simply take about 3 tablespoons of your powder, pour it into a cup of steaming hot milk, and you have your peppermint paradise. Delightful!

Lastly, but certainly not least, is the classic cocoa. Everyone loves a classic. I live by this recipe and so does Momma Dot. All you’ll need is:

2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1-2 tbsp. sugar with a pinch of salt

1 cup of milk (or half –and-half, cream, or your favorite substitute)

¼ tsp of vanilla extract

As a lover of all things classic, this recipe is by far my favorite. Whisk together your cocoa, sugar/salt, and a splash of milk in a saucepan until all of your powders are dissolved. Then, pour in the rest of your milks and whisk occasionally. Stir in your vanilla after it’s hot and pour it in your favorite Christmas mug. Top with marshmallows and you’ll have your perfect cup of cocoa. It’ll help you fight that fierce drillfield wind.

If you can’t tell, I love cocoa. But who doesn’t? It’s the perfect holiday drink; especially if you’re tired of boring old coffee. You can even leave Santa a cup in a few days.